Sunday, March 8, 2015

Final Ryman Shows/First New Opry House Shows

It was on Saturday March 9, 1974 that the Grand Ole Opry held it's final Saturday night show at the Ryman Auditorium. The following week, the Grand Ole Opry had the grand opening of the new Opry House. To have a look back, I have posted the line-ups from the final Saturday night at the Ryman Auditorium (March 9), the final Friday Night Opry at the Ryman (March 15), the first Grand Ole Opry show at the new Opry House (March 16), the first Friday Night Opry from the new Opry House (March 22) and the 2nd Saturday Grand Ole Opry show (March 23) from the new Opry House.When the new Opry House was finished, a schedule had to be set up for the move. As mentioned, Saturday March 9, 1974 was the final Saturday night show at the Ryman. Then, because tradition dictated that the new house ought to open on a Saturday, the final broadcast of the Grand Ole Opry from the Ryman was set for Friday March 15, with "Grand Ole Gospel Time" to follow. Jeanne Pruett has said that her most moving moment at the Grand Ole Opry was that last Saturday night at the Ryman. "Marty Robbins and I did the last show, the 11:30 segment. I can remember when the curtain came down, well, we were going from what we knew and loved and held dear, to the unknown. And I just wondered to myself if it was the end of the Opry, or was it the beginning."Here is the running order of the final Grand Ole Opry show at the Ryman Auditorium Saturday March 9, 1974:1st show6:30: Mrs. GrissomsWillis Brothers (host): Give Me 40 AcresStu Phillips: There Must Be Another Way to Say GoodbyeWillis Brothers: Cool Water6:45: Rudy'sBobby Bare (host): Detroit CityConnie Smith: How Great Thou ArtErnie Ashworth: Honky Tonk Hardwood FloorBobby Bare: The Mermaids7:00: Rudy'sBilly Grammer (host): Under the Double Eagle/Black Mountain Rag/Wildwood FlowerWilma Lee & Stoney Cooper: Nine Pound HammerBill Carlisle: Too Old to Cut the MustardBilly Grammer, Jr: Orange Blossom SpecialWilma Lee & Stoney Cooper: To My Mansion in the SkyBill Carlisle: I'm Moving7:30: Standard CandyRoy Acuff (host): Wabash CannonballJeanne Pruett: You Don't Need to Move A MountainLonzo & Oscar: Charming BetsyCrook Brothers/Stoney Mountain Cloggers: Ida RedRoy Acuff: Back in the CountryJeanne Pruett: Satin Sheets8:00: Martha WhiteWilburn Brothers (host): Roll, Muddy RiverJustin Tubb; Rambling ManJody Miller: Good NewsJerry Clower: ComedyWilburn Brothers: Knoxville GirlJustin Tubb: Texas Dance Hall GirlJody Miller: Let's All Go Down to the River8:30: StephensHank Snow (host): I'm Moving OnJan Howard: My Kind of People4 Guys: Let Me Be ThereFruit Jar Drinkers: Katy HillHank Snow: Brand On My HeartJan Howard: Sunshine On My Shoulders4 Guys: Top of the WorldHank Snow: Hello Love2nd show9:30: Kellogg'sBobby Bare (host): Come SundownWillis Brothers: Truck StopWilma Lee Cooper: Philadelphia LawyerBobby Bare: Blowing in the Wind/Worried Man Blues/Gotta Travel OnSkeeter Willis: Maiden's PrayerWilma Lee & Stoney Cooper: I Shall Not Be MovedBobby Bare & Bobby Bare, Jr: Daddy, What If10:00: FenderStu Phillips (host): PrideJody Miller: Darling, You Can Always Come Back HomeBill Carlisle: Little Liza JaneStu Phillips: There Must Be Another Way to Say Goodbye10:15: Union 76Roy Acuff (host): When I Lay My Burdens DownMinnie Pearl: Jealous Loving Heart10:30: Beech-NutBilly Grammer (host): Gotta Travel OnJerry Clower: The Coon HuntCrook Brothers/Stoney Mountain Cloggers: LibertyBilly Grammer: How Great Thou Art11:00: Coca-ColaHank Snow (host): In the Misty MoonlightJan Howard: Where No One Stands Alone4 Guys: Streaking With My Baby on a Bright and Sunny AfternoonFruit Jar Drinkers: Nubbin RidgeTanya Tucker: Delta DawnSam McGee: Freight Train/Victor Rag/I Don't Love NobodyHank Snow: I Don't Hurt Anymore11:30: Elm HillMarty Robbins (host): I Walk AloneJeanne Pruett: You Don't Need to Move a Mountain/Satin SheetsJustin Tubb: Bad, Bad Leroy BrownMarty Robbins: Don't Worry/Big Boss Man/I'm Wanting To/Rollin' In My Sweet Baby's Arms/Love Me/Now Is the HourAs far as the final Friday night, it was a very emotional evening. Minnie Pearl said, "The night we left, the last night we played at the Ryman. I was crying. I was so sentimental about the old building. I never felt that way about the War Memorial, and that's where I started on the Opry. But we had thirty years or more at the Ryman and it has so much ambiance. The church pews, the haze of hair spray in that ladies' room." And Jan Howard said, "That last night was a very sacred moment."Roy Acuff had said, "Certainly there are memories of this old house that will go with us forever. Not all of them good. Not all of them. Many of them are, but some of them are punishment. Punishment in the way that we ask you to come to visit with us and then we sit you out in this audience here and in the hot summer we sell you a fan for a dollar. You do your own air-conditioning. And some of you, we sell you a cushion to sit on because the seats are not just the most comfortable they can be. But out in Opryland, when you come to see us, we'll furnish the air conditioner. We'll furnish the cushion seats. You just don't know how much we do appreciate you people. It's you who have made the Grand Ole Opry so successful. Will you not forget us when we move into our new building? You'll love us for being out there and we'll love you for coming to see us. Thank you. God bless you all, good night."Here is the running order for that final Friday Night Opry at the Ryman Auditorium March 15, 1974:7:00: Cracker BarrelRoy Drusky (host): Alone With YouDel Reeves: Lay A Little Lovin' On MeJan Howard: The One You Slip Around WithCharlie Walker: Pick Me Up On Your Way DownRoy Drusky: Satisfied MindDel Reeves: Girl on the BillboardJan Howard: Rock Me Back to Little RockCharlie Walker: Wanting My Woman AgainRoy Drusky: Second Hand Rose7:30: VaralloBill Anderson (host): If You Can Live With ItBob Luman: Lonely Women Make Good LoversJim & Jesse: Diesel On My TailMary Lou Turner: Poor Sweet BabyBill Anderson: A World Of Make BelieveBob Luman: When You Say LoveJim & Jesse: ParadiseBill Anderson: Po' Folks8:00: Tennessee Pride/BoroxArchie Campbell (host): Make FriendsBobby Bare: Ride Me Down EasyDottie West: Country SunshineJustin Tubb: Rambling ManPhil Campbell: Valley of the Never Do No GoodBobby Bare & Bobby Bare, Jr: Daddy, What IfDottie West: Here Comes My BabyJustin Tubb: Traveling Singing Man8:30: Kroger Roy Acuff (host): Wabash CannonballJean Shepard: Second FiddleStonewall Jackson: Me and You and A Dog Named BooMinnie Pearl: Careless LoveWilma Lee & Stoney Cooper: There's A Big WheelRoy Acuff: Back in the CountryJean Shepard: At the TimeStonewall Jackson: Don't Be AngryRoy Acuff: Cabin In Gloryland9:00: Baltz Bros./SchlitzWilburn Brothers (host): It's Another WorldOsborne Brothers: Rocky TopJeanne Pruett: You Dont' Need to Move A MountainDel Wood: There's A Big WheelWilburn Brothers: I'm Gonna Tie One On TonightOsborne Brothers: RubyJeanne Pruett: Satin SheetsDel Wood: Down Yonder9:30: Acme Boots/Beech-NutJim Ed Brown (host): Pop A TopHank Locklin: Goodbye Dear Old RymanGrandpa Jones: DooleyBill Carlisle: No Help WantedCates Sisters: Devil's DreamHank Locklin: Send Me the Pillow You Dream OnGrandpa Jones: Heading South With Nashville on My MindBill Carlisle: Too Old to Cut the MustardJim Ed Brown: Sometimes Sunshine10:00: Cee Bee/SchlitzBilly Walker (host): Sing Me A Love Song to BabyCharlie Louvin: You're My Wife; She's My WomanWillis Brothers: Truck StopStu Phillips: There Must Be Another Way to Say GoodbyeBilly Walker: You Gave Me A MountainCharlie Louvin: Little Reasons/Will You Visit Me On Sundays/What Are Those ThingsWillis Brothers: Give Me 40 AcresBilly Walker: Charlie's Shoes10:30: Shoney'sGeorge Morgan (host): Red Rose From the Blue Side of Town4 Guys: Let Me Be ThereRay Pillow: Excuse MeLonzo & Oscar: A King Size Cola and A Moon PieErnie Ashworth: Talk Back Trembling Lips4 Guys: Hello Walls/Big Bad John/Wings Of A DoveRay Pillow: CountryfriedErnie Ashworth: Honky Tonk Hardwood FloorGeorge Morgan: Candy KissesAfter George Morgan finished Candy Kisses, Jimmie Snow began "Grand Ole Gospel Time," the weekly show that followed the Friday Night Opry. At the conclusion of that show, Johnny Cash, June Carter, The Carter Family and Hank Snow led in the singing of "Will The Circle Be Unbroken." (interesting that none of those acts was on that final Opry show.) When they were done, the building emptied out and the signs came down. Hal Durham said that at that final show people were grabbing up souvenirs and whatever they could find to remember the building. The thought then was that it would be torn down. We got to the new building on Saturday and realized that we knew nothing about it. We didn't know where the restrooms were or the backstage was, and we had the President coming in. Opening Night of the new Grand Ole Opry House was on Saturday March 16, 1974. The new Grand Ole Opry House was packed to the very last row of the balcony. There were hundreds of specially invited guests in the audience. One suspected that a lot of them had never been to a Grand Ole Opry broadcast before. But this was a special occasion, one deemed worthy of Nashville's and Tennessee's business, political, and cultural leaders. And the President of the United States was in attendance to help inaugurate the new Opry House. It all began with the sounds of the Fruit Jar Drinkers, who had been on the Opry since the earliest days, along with the voice of Grant Turner, who had been an Opry announcer for over thirty years. Formal proceedings began with Opry member Billy Grammer giving the invocation and WSM president Irving Waugh pointing out that in 1976 the United States of America would celebrate its bicentennial. "By then," he said, "for more than one-fourth of the nation's years there will have been a Grand Ole Opry." Much earlier, when construction had just begun on the new Opry House, Roy Acuff had said, "I've made my request that if I'm still here when the Opry House opens, they let me be the first one to go on the stage. I just want to open the curtain and sing two songs. Then they can have it." When the speeches were ended and the show was about to start, a democratic decision had been made. The Opry acts would appear in more or less alphabetical order, thus assuring Roy his opening spot. The house lights dimmed, the curtain rose, and there was a huge white scrim. Projecting on it was the picture of George D. Hay from the 1940 movie 'Grand Ole Opry.' "First we're gonna hear from Roy Acuff and his Smoky Mountain Boys," the movie voice of The Solemn Old Judge intoned, "Smoke it up, Roy!" And there was Acuff. A young Acuff of thirty four years earlier. And that Roy Acuff began to sing "Wabash Cannonball." Then the scrim began to rise slowly and throught it the audience could see the 1974 Roy Acuff and his Smoky Mountain Boys, making a perfect musical segue from the film to the live performance on the new Opry stage. The effect was electric. There was a standing ovation, prolonged through most of the song. And there were some tears. But not from Acuff: he was in his element. This was his moment. Stage lights came on full and behind him came the other roster acts of the Grand Ole Opry. Nearly sixty in number. All singing and all nonrehearsed. Roy followed with "You Are My Sunshine" then brought on Ralph Sloan and the Tennessee Travelers and the Opry was underway. That first show started at 6:30 and ran until 10:15. Here is the running order: Roy Acuff: You Are My SunshineHowdy Forrester/Tennessee Travelers Bill Anderson: Po' FolksErnie Ashworth: Talk Back Trembling LipsJim Ed Brown: MorningWilma Lee & Stoney Cooper: Big Midnight SpecialRoy Drusky: Satisfied MindJerry Clower: Marcel's Talking Chain SawCrook Brothers/Stoney Mountain Cloggers: Black Mountain RagBilly Grammer: Gotta Travel OnJack Greene: There Goes My EverythingJeannie Seely: Don't Touch MeJack Greene & Jeannie Seely: Wish I Didn't Have To Miss YouStonewall Jackson: Don't Be AngryRichard Nixon and Opry Cast: Happy Birthday Mrs. NixonRichard Nixon: My Wild Irish RoseRoy Acuff and Opry Cast: Stay A Little LongerRichard Nixon and Opry Cast: God Bless AmericaJan Howard: My Kind of PeopleFruit Jar Drinkers/Tennessee Travelers: Sally GoodinJim & Jesse: Freight TrainGrandpa Jones: Are You From DixieHank Locklin: Danny BoyLonzo & Oscar; Traces of LifeBobby Lord: Live Your Life Out LoudCharlie Louvin & Diane McCall: American TrilogyGeorge Morgan: You Turn Me OnJeanne Pruett: Satin SheetsJimmy C Newman: JambalayaOsborne Brothers: Rocky TopStu Phillips: There Must Be Another Way to Say GoodbyeRay Pillow: CountryfriedDel Reeves: Lay A Little Lovin' On MeJean Shepard: Second FiddleHank Snow: I'm Moving OnConnie Smith: How Great Thou Art4 Guys: Cottonfields/MariaErnest Tubb: Walking the Floor Over YouMinnie Pearl: Jealous Hearted MeJustin Tubb: Bad, Bad Leroy BrownCharlie Walker: Pick Me Up On Your Way DownDottie West: Country SunshineWilburn Brothers: ArkansasDel Wood: Down YonderMarion Worth: Delta DawnSam McGee: San Antonio RosePorter Wagoner: I've Never Seen So Many Happy FacesDolly Parton: JolenePorter Wagoner & Dolly Parton: The Right CombinationThe Presidential party arrived at the Opry House a few minutes past seven. President Nixon watched the show for about half an hour before Roy Acuff appeared on the stage again and said, "Tonight we're honored by the very first President to visit us at the Grand Ole Opry and you can know that we boys and girls, we're just delighted that this has happened while we are here at the Grand Ole Opry. I just couldn't say the words that would really let you people know how delighted I am that I can be here and take the microphone and ask the President and Mrs. Nixon, with their troupe, if they would mind honoring us and coming down and be on the stage here this evening. We would be delighted to have you." (This was considered vintage Acuff. Totally sincere and understanding that the President was to have the center spotlight: the "troupe" he mentioned included a governor and two U.S. senators. They were never introduced to the audience.) While Roy was speaking, the Nixon party came down to the wings of the stage accompanied by National Life board chairman Bill Weaver and Mrs. Dorothy Ritter, the widow of Tex. The Opry band played "Hail to the Chief" and the Grand Ole Orpy cast crowded together on center stage, applauded wildly, as did the audience. There was a presentation of a handmade dulcimer to Mrs. Nixon by Dorothy Ritter and then Acuff suggested everyone sing "Happy Birthday" to the First Lady, adding a further suggestion that the President play the piano. Before going to the piano, the President pulled a yellow yo-yo out of his pocket that Bill Weaver had given him before going on stage, which completely surprised Roy Acuff. The President played "Happy Birthday" and "My Wild Irish Rose." President Nixon was completely annimated on the Opry stage, so much so that Roy said to Grant Turner, "He's got me stunned." Then it was time for the formal program.Roy introduced the President, with the words, "So I'd like to say to the world that is listening in, from our new home here in Opryland, USA: Ladies and gentlemen, the President of the United States, Richard Nixon." The President praised the character of the Opry's music and or country music. After finishing his remarks, he brought back out the yo-yo and made an attempt to get it to work, with Roy offering some lessons with the President making that famous remark, "I'll stay here and try to learn how to use the yo-yo, and you go and be President, Roy." The cast then sang, "Stay All Night, Stay A Little Longer." Roy asked the President if he belonged to the musicians union, saying that some talk would be said if he wasn't, with the President responding that he was an honorary member of the union in New York City. Nixon then played the piano one more time, leading the cast in singing "God Bless America" and then left. The entire Presidential visit lasted about an hour.Finally, from Bill Anderson: I was standing onstage when Mr. Acuff and the president were out there playing with the yo-yos. I was next to Ernest Tubb and thought, Well, here's a man who's been at the Grand Ole Opry since 1943, and I turned to him and said, "Ernest, did you ever think you'd live to see the day when the president of the United States would come to the Grand Ole Opry?" He looked at me and said, "No, but I wish it had been another president." With the 2nd show starting at 10:47 and ending at 1:54am, here is the running order for that show:Roy Acuff: Back in the CountryHowdy Forrester: Eighth of JanuaryMinnie Pearl: ComedyBill Anderson: A World of Make BelieveErnie Ashworth: Honky-Tonk Hardwood FloorJim Ed Brown: The Three BellsErnest Tubb: Waltz Across TexasWilma Lee & Stoney Cooper: Little Darling Pal of MineCrook Brothers: LibertyBilly Grammer: Somewhere My LoveJack Greene: Statue of A FoolJeannie Seely: Can I Sleep In Your Arms Tonight, MisterJack Greene & Jeannie Seely: What In the World Has Gone Wrong With Our LovePorter Wagoner: I've Never Seen So Many Happy FacesDolly Parton: JolenePorter Wagoner & Dolly Parton: The Right CombinationJan Howard: Sunshine on My ShouldersStonewall Jackson: Me and You and A Dog Named BooJim & Jesse: ParadiseGrandpa Jones: Heading South With Nashville on My MindConnie Smith: DallasBobby Lord: MississippiCharlie Louvin: You're My Wife' She's My WomanJerry Clower: The Last Piece of ChickenGeorge Morgan: Red Rose From the Blue Side of TownJeanne Pruett: Satin SheetsJimmy C Newman: Potato SongOsborne Brothers: RubyStu Phillips: There Must Be Another Way to Say GoodbyeRay Pillow: CountryfriedSam and Kirk McGee: Rollin' In My Sweet Baby's ArmsHank Snow: There's A Fool Such As I4 Guys: Let Me Be ThereJustin Jubb: Rambling ManCharlie Walker: Don't Squeeze My SharminDottie West: Country SunshineWilburn Brothers: Knoxville GirlDel Wood: There's A Big WheelMarion Worth: Me and Bobby McGeeMarty Robbins: Devil WomanRonnie Robbins: Mama TriedMarty Robbins: I'm Wanting To/Big Boss Man/Singing the BluesThe Opry members who did not appear that first night at the new Opry House were Bobby Bare, Archie Campbell, Bill Carlilse, Lester Flatt, Tom T. Hall, David Houston, George Jones, Bob Luman, Loretta Lynn, Barbara Mandrell, Bill Monroe, Earl Scruggs, Billy Walker and Tammy Wynette. Of those listed, Tom T. Hall was the only one actually scheduled but he did not appear. It would come out shortly after that both Tom T. Hall and Bobby Bare decided to quit as Opry cast members instead of following the Opry to the new home. Tom. T. would rejoin the Opry in 1980 while Bobby Bare would not rejoin. He would, however, return for guest appearances. Also, Richard Nixon, Hank Locklin, Lonzo & Oscar, Jean Shepard and The Willis Brothers were scheduled for the 1st show only. And not to forget Skeeter Davis: she was still suspended from the Opry so she was not invited. There were no defined segments or segment hosts that night. The commericals were still done and most of the acts were introduced by the announcers. The first show went pretty much in alphabetical order, while the second show tried to but since some artists needed to get out of town for Sunday appearances, the order did get changed up in a few cases. To finish up the look at the line-ups from the last Ryman shows and the first Opry House shows, here are the line-ups for the 1st Friday Night Opry and the 2nd Saturday Grand Ole Opry shows at the new Opry House As you can see, it was pretty much back to normal at the Opry. You will also notice that on both nights Jimmy Dickens made a guest appearance. He was not an Opry member at this time. Friday Night Opry, March 22:8:00: Tennessee Pride/BoroxCharlie Walker (host): Stay A Little LongerPenny DeHaven: I'll Be A DoggoneMel Street: Borrowed AngelJoe Edwards: Old Joe ClarkCharlie Walker: Wanting My Woman AgainPenny DeHaven: Down in the BoondocksMel Street: You Make Me Feel More Like A ManCharlie Walker: Wild Side of Life8:30: KrogerRoy Acuff (host): Back in the CountryStu Phillips: There Must Be Another Way to Say GoodbyeJimmy C Newman: Diggy Liggy LoHowdy Forrester: Sally GoodinRoy Acuff: Wabash CannonballStu Phillips: PrideJimmy C Newman: Louisiana Saturday NightRoy Acuff: I'll Fly Away9:00: Elm Hill/SchlitzRoy Drusky (host): Don't It Make You Want to Go HomeDottie West: Country SunshineWillis Brothers: Truck StopRoy Drusky: Satisfied MindDottie West: Last Time I Saw HimWillis Brothers: Give Me 40 AcresRoy Drusky: Anymore9:30: Acme/Beech-NutWilma Lee & Stoney Cooper (host): Forgive; Forget Us #1Connie Smith: DallasJustin Tubb: Lonesome 7-7203Wilma Lee Cooper: Legend of the Dogwood TreeConnie Smith: Down in the ValleyJustin Tubb: Bad, Bad Leroy BrownCarol Lee Cooper: North to Chicago10:00: Cee Bee/Schlitz4 Guys (host): Turn Your Radio OnDel Wood: There's A Big WheelJimmy Dickens: John Henry4 Guys: Top of the WorldDel Wood: Leaning on the Everlasting ArmsJimmy Dickens: One in A Million4 Guys: Catfish John/Let Me Be There10:30: Shoney'sBilly Grammer (host): Detroit CityBarbara Mandrell: Midnight OilJerry Clower: Rat KillingBilly Grammer: Double Eagle/Black Mountain RagBarbara Mandrell & Ronnie Shaw: I Love YouJerry Clower: ComedyAnd finally, Saturday March 23, 1974, the 2nd Saturday night in the new Opry House: 1st show6:30: Mrs. GrissomsWillis Brothers (host): Truck StopMerle Kilgore: Wolverton MountainWillis Brothers: Cool Water6:45: Rudy'sWilma Lee & Stoney Cooper (host): Poor Ellen SmithJustin Tubb: Rambling ManDel Wood: Keep on the Firing LineWilma Lee & Stoney Cooper: Coming Down from God7:00: Rudy'sRoy Acuff (host): When I Lay My Burdens DownJean Shepard: At the TimeJimmy Dickens: Take An Old Cold TaterMinnie Pearl: Maple on the HillJean Shepard: Second FiddleJimmy Dickens: We Could7:30: Standard CandyStu Phillips (host): PrideDottie West: Country SunshineJohnny Carver: Tie A Yellow RibbonCrook Brothers/Stoney Mountain Cloggers: Soldier's JoyStu Phillips: I'd Rather Be SorryDottie West: Last Time I Saw HimStu Phillips: There Must Be Another Way to Say Goodbye8:00: Martha WhiteRoy Drusky (host): Second Hand RoseConnie Smith: DallasErnie Ashworth: Honky-Tonk Hardwood FloorLouie Roberts: Don't Worry/Tonight CarmenRoy Drusky: One Day at A TimeConnie Smith: He Touched MeErnie Ashworth: Talk Back Tembling LipsRoy Drusky: Alone With You8:30: StephensJim Ed Brown (host): Stay A Little Longer4 Guys: Hello Walls/Big Bad John/Wings of A DoveStan Hitchcock: The Same Old WayFruit Jar Drinkers: Katy HillJim Ed Brown: Sometimes Sunshine4 Guys: Down by the Lazy RiverStan Hitchcock: You Gave Me A MountainCates Sisters: Uncle Pen2nd show9:30: Kellogg'sWilma Lee & Stoney Cooper (host): Big Midnight SpecialWillis Brothers: BobErnie Ashworth: Honky-Tonk Hardwood FloorMerle Kilgore: Ring of FireWilma Lee & Stoney Cooper: I Dreamed About Mama Last NightWillis Brothers: Truck StopStoney Cooper: Golden Slippers10:00: FenderRoy Drusky (host): StrangersDottie West: Country Sunshine/Last Time I Saw HimRoy Drusky: Don't It Make You Want to Go Home10:15: Union 76Roy Acuff (host): Wabash CannonballDel Wood: There's A Big WheelRoy Acuff: The Great Speckled Bird10:30: TrailblazerJustin Tubb (host): Bad, Bad Leroy BrownJean Shepard: At the TimeJustin Tubb: Traveling Singing Man10:45: Beech-NutStu Phillips (host): Crystal ChandeliersConnie Smith: DallasCrook Brothers/Stoney Mountain Cloggers: Cotton-Eyed JoeStu Phillips: Castle; A Cabin11:00: Coca-ColaJim Ed Brown (host): Southern LovingJimmy Dickens: Out Behind the BarnCates Sisters: Uncle PenFruit Jar Drinkers: Cacklin' HenJim Ed Brown: Why Me LordJimmy Dickens: John HenrySam McGee: Farewell Blues/Alabama Jubilee/Just BecauseJim Ed Brown: Pop A Top11:30: Elm Hill4 Guys (host): Cottonfields/MariaStan Hitchcock: I'm Back in Baby's ArmsLouie Roberts: Just A Little Lovin'/Anytime/Bouquet of Roses/Cattle Call4 Guys: Fall AwayStan Hitchcock: Just Call me Lonesome4 Guys: Let Me Be ThereAs you can see, that 2nd Saturday at the new Opry House was business as usual, compared to the first opening weekend. And the show ended on time at midnight.How successful was the move? In 1974 the Opry drew 482,178 people. In 1975, attendance reached 751,546.Hope everyone enjoyed the look back

7 comments:

If only today the Opry could do a show with all but 14 of its members, that would be amazing! Come to think of it, if the Opry did a show with 14 of its members, it would be amazing!A few of questions:How come during the final saturday shows at the ryman, several times the hosts would perform a 2nd song in the middle of their segment, but not at the end?

With the final Friday show at the Ryman, how come the performers did 2 songs, but not at the same time?

Kyle, back in those days the structure of the Opry segments were a little different. Usually the host would do the opening song, then they would introduce two other artists, each doing one song. Then the host would do another number, or he would have a member of his band do a number (Roy Acuff would usually have Oswald or Howdy do an instrumental). After that number, the host would bring back on those who were already on the segment and have them do a second song. Of course, now it is set up with the host doing the opening number, each artist introduced on the segment doing an average of two songs, then the host finishing out the segment. I think, if I remember right, they changed it to the way it is now back in the late 1970s, although when Bob Whittaker was the Opry's general manager in the 1990s, he experimented a bit with changing it back and it just didn't work to well.

Also one of the reasons they were able to fit 5-7 artists into a half hour segment, or 4 in a 15 minute segment was that the talking between the acts and songs was very small. They were introduced, ran on and did their song, and then ran off. They kept the show moving pretty fast.

Skeeter was suspended from the Opry for remarks she made on the Opry stage in December 1973. She made comments about protesters outside that the Opry management didn't appreciate. She was gone for around 18 months before some of the Opry members went to management and got her back on. ( I think if you go back into December I had an entire post devoted to Skeeter and her issues).

It's interesting to take a look at video footage from the first night at the new Opry House and how the artists and musicians continued to cluster in a tight little area near the front of the stage in roughly the same fashion as they did at the Ryman. At the Ryman, you got to the mic any way you could from any direction you could....usually behind the piano. The Opry posted a YouTube video that you've all probably seen of Minnie Pearl's spot on that first show. It's fun to see the musicians coming out, checking the lineup pinned to the back of the piano, standing around gabbing just a few feet from where someone else was working...one of the things that made the Opry truly unique. Frankly, the modern-day Opry is too slick, polished and produced for my tastes. Too often it feels like someone is trying to force an "Opry moment". The occasional bursts of genuine spontaneity are few and far between.

Well-said by Barry. Today's Opry is, in a word, stuffy ... as if everyone, the announcer included, were up there in black tie and tails. Some of the women look like they're going to the White House right after the show. (How'd you like to see Kitty Wells' puffy sleeves again, or Wilma Lee Cooper's hoop skirt?)

or Bill Carlisles sometimes wild segments with sideman Marshall Barnes, for example, cutting off Joe Edwards pantlegs as he thumb-picked his electric guitar, or maybe singing "Tender Years" as only Marshall could do it !!!!!!!

Riders in the Sky will do stuff to Eddie Stubbs or Mike Terry as they read commercials. That's about it. I remember Oscar Sullivan saying that Vito was reminded that it was a live show, so during the commercials, they would dump Oswald in the RC cooler or something else to shake up the audience. I seem to recall one guy who used a yoyo.

I attended the March 15, 1974 show, the "last" Saturday Night 'Opry at the Ryman.The only artists I can recall from memory (41 years later) performing that night are Roy Acuff, Minnie Pearl, and Marty Robbins.I remember Minnie breaking down and lamenting leaving the Ryman. Roy Acuff did what he could to comfort her. I remember Marty Robbins, who would have kept right on singing for hours that night if they hadn't brought the curtain down on him.What memories.Thanks so much for the lineup. Amazing.

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About Me

I am a nationally recognized independent historian of the Grand Ole Opry. In addition to being the publisher and writer of Fayfare's Opry Blog, I have also researched Opry information for numerous authors and interested Opry fans. A resident of Canton, Ohio, I have attended hundreds of Grand Ole Opry shows since my first visit to Nashville in 1973. I can be contacted via email at bfay54@gmail.com